Paris Guide - Events

Marathon de Paris (early April) The annual run begins at about 0900 on the Champs Elysées, finishing about 1100 on avenue Foch. http://www.parismarathon.com
The Haute Vallee de la Loire organises this fantastic antiques market, held in Paris at the vast Stade Charlety. Although the event only began in 1999, it now draws some 20,000 visitors and over 250 exhibitors.
Fête du Travail Expect to encounter closed shops and businesses. More strictly observed by the French than Christmas or New Year. Nearly everything is closed down for Labour day.
Printemps des Musees Hundreds of museums throughout France open for free for one day in Spring.
The French Open (starts the final Monday of every May) One of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, is one of the biggest sporting events in France.
La Fête de la Musique (June) On the longest day of the year there's something for all music lovers, with music being played in different concert venues, cafés and street corners across the city.
Foire St Germain (early June to early July) The sixth arrondissement holds a fair for all the family . Consult the website http://www.foiresaintgermain.org for more details.
Jazz à la Villette (June-July) Jazz and blues events at the park, the Cité de la Musique and the Grande Halle at La Villette .
PGA Open de France (June tbc) This year the French Open is held at Le Golf National course just outside of Paris.
Festival du Chopin à Paris (late June-early July) Candlelit piano concerts in the Orangerie de Bagatelle (Parc de Bagatelle, Bois de Boulogne, 75016, T 01 45 00 22 19).
Bastille Day (14th) The storming of the Bastille is celebrated with a parade along the Champs Elysées on the morning of 14 July. In the evening there are fireworks at the Trocadéro. Bastille Day is France's most important national holiday.
Le Tour de France (late July to early August) - France's famous cycle race ends on the Champs Elysées. http://www.letour.fr

Paris